Silicon Valley honors veterans (PHOTOS)

By Anna Li and Julia Reis | 12 Nov 2012

On Sunday, the United Veterans Council hosted its 94th annual Veterans Day parade in San Jose. Parade-goers crowded downtown city streets waving American flags as they watched the procession of former and current military members, led by Grand Marshal Vice Admiral Paul F. Zukunft. The 561st Air Force Band also performed at Moffett Field.

Cupertino held a ceremony in Memorial Park with a small parade, guest speakers, and recognition of veterans from all wars. This year, the ceremony paid special tribute to the veterans from the Korean War. The city dedicated a Korean War Boulder to the Cupertino Veterans Memorial.

Organizers also honored the Axelson and Suh families, who lost their sons in Afghanistan. Matthew Axelson and James Suh were Cupertino natives who served as U.S. Navy SEALs. They were killed during Operation Red Wing in Korangal Valley. Artist W. Stanley Proctor created “The Guardians” sculpture to represent the two fallen soldiers continuing to defend freedom as they overlook Memorial Park.